That bushfires are often lit by arsonists is a problem that has not been proactively addressed. The deterrent effect of penalties is perhaps less because those lighting the fires can get away with their actions. So what to do?(more…)

Leonard Cohen is still giving live performances. Now a septuagnarian performer his songs have sometimes had a dark underlining. He in recent days performed at the Gamut Ran Football Stadium in Israel.(more…)

Over the past week, the G20 government leaders were meeting in Pittsburgh to discuss the problems of the world at the G20 conference with such matters as the global financial crisis and the atmospheric carbon crisis on the agenda.(more…)

So claims Chris Hedges at Truthdig. And what game might that be? In short the monopoly game called globalization, masquerading as capitalism but in reality hand in glove in with government of the wealthy countries.(more…)

Andrew Robb’s decision to step down from the Opposition frontbench while he was suffering from a depressive illness was probably more wise than heroic, and might have reflected the medical advice given.(more…)